[Post-traumatic exophthalmos caused by a subperiosteal hematoma of the orbit]

We report a case of a 27-year-old man who developed major exophthalmos associated with ophthalmoplegia occurring 48 hours after head trauma. CT scan showed an orbital roof fracture and a subperiosteal hematoma. Surgical evacuation of the hematoma and reconstruction of the orbital roof was performed via a frontal craniotomy. Two months later, the ophthalmologic examination was normal. We stress the importance of early diagnosis and prompt surgical treatment in such an unusual complication of head trauma.